Microsoft’s Surface now available in 29 markets and over 10,000 stores around the world

Microsoft launched the Surface RT in October of 2012 and the Surface Pro on February 9th of this year, for those who don’t recall. Fast forward to a few months later, Microsoft is proud to announce that the Surface device is now available in 29 different markets and in over 10,000 stores across the globe.

“Less than a year ago, we launched Surface in eight markets, with only three having physical stores. Surface is now available in 29 markets and in 10,000+ physical stores around the world,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post. We remember vividly the issues that came up during the Surface Pro launch day. Remember the “out of stock crisis” where the Surface Pro would sell out in a matter of hours and it would take a long time for restocking? We haven’t forgotten. Frustration from the lack of stock had frustrated many potential buyers of the Surface Pro.

Now, in July of 2013, Microsoft has revealed the “first phase” of the company’s expansion into the business channel that allows consumers to purchase a Surface device through authorized re-sellers. These re-sellers include CDW, CompuCom Systems, Inc., En Pointe Technologies, Insight Enterprises, Inc., SHI International Corp., Softchoice, Softmart, PC Connection, Inc., PCM, Inc. and Zones Inc. Microsoft is looking to expand this list of re-sellers in more countries in the coming months.

Microsoft has also launched a program called AppsForSurface, which “provides devices and funding for app design intended to get key enterprise apps on Surface and Window 8.” So far, AirStrip, Citrix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sage all have signed up for this program.

Microsoft will also be offering the Surface devices via a discounted rate for educational institutions. Microsoft plans on expanding this offer into the commercial channel starting with the Authorized Surface Resellers in the United States.

Microsoft is also launching a 256GB Surface Pro in the United States for businesses. “..there will be limited availability of a 256GB version of Surface Pro in the U.S. exclusively to our business customers through the commercial channel and the authorized Surface resellers,” Microsoft adds.

The Surface devices are finally being made available in more locations. Thanks Microsoft, it only took several months.